Electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a first liquid crystal panel, a second liquid crystal panel, a camera overlapping the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel and receiving light via the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel. The first liquid crystal panel includes a first liquid crystal layer, a first pixel electrode not overlapping the camera, and a second pixel electrode overlapping the camera. The second liquid crystal panel includes first transparent electrodes overlapping the camera, a second transparent electrode overlapping the first transparent electrodes, and a second liquid crystal layer disposed between the first transparent electrodes and the second transparent electrode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/443,190 filed Jul. 22, 2021, which is a Continuation Application ofPCT Application No. PCT/JP2019/045472, filed Nov. 20, 2019 and basedupon and claiming the benefit of priority from Japanese PatentApplication No. 2019-012327, filed Jan. 28, 2019, the entire contents ofall of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronicapparatus.

BACKGROUND

Recently, electronic apparatuses such as smartphones comprising adisplay part and a camera on the same surface side have been widely putinto practical use. In such an electronic apparatus, the camera isdisposed outside the display part, and there has been an increasingdemand for expanding the display part while securing a space forinstalling the camera and the like.

Meanwhile, a technique of using a liquid crystal lens as a lightrefraction part of a three-dimensional image display device has beenproposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration exampleof an electronic apparatus 100 comprising a display device DSP accordingto the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic apparatus 100including a camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a first liquidcrystal panel PNL1 shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element LCDincluding a first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element LCDincluding a second pixel PX2 shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a shape example of a first transparentelectrode TE1.

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing another shape example of the firsttransparent electrode TE1.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a second liquidcrystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9A is an illustration for explaining the first control examplewhere a lens LL1 is formed in a second liquid crystal layer LC2 of alens portion LP.

FIG. 9B is an illustration for explaining the first control examplewhere the lens LL1 is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 ofthe lens portion LP.

FIG. 10 is an illustration for explaining the second control examplewhere a lens LL2 is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of thelens portion LP.

FIG. 11 is an illustration for explaining the third control examplewhere a lens LL3 is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of thelens portion LP.

FIG. 12 is an illustration for explaining the first operation example.

FIG. 13 is an illustration for explaining the second operation example.

FIG. 14 is an illustration for explaining the third operation example.

FIG. 15 is an illustration for explaining the fourth operation example.

FIG. 16 is an illustration for explaining the fifth operation example.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of thesecond liquid crystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG. 8 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided an electronicapparatus comprising a first liquid crystal panel, a second liquidcrystal panel overlapping the first liquid crystal panel, a cameraoverlapping the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystalpanel and receiving light via the first liquid crystal panel and thesecond liquid crystal panel. The first liquid crystal panel comprises afirst liquid crystal layer, a first pixel electrode not overlapping thecamera, a second pixel electrode overlapping the camera, and a colorfilter layer overlapping the first pixel electrode but not overlappingthe second pixel electrode. The second liquid crystal panel comprises aplurality of first transparent electrodes overlapping the camera, asecond transparent electrode overlapping the first transparentelectrodes, and a second liquid crystal layer disposed between the firsttransparent electrodes and the second transparent electrode.

The present embodiment is described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and proper changes inkeeping with the spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivableby a person of ordinary skill in the art, come within the scope of theinvention as a matter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order tomake the description clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes and thelike, of the respective parts are illustrated schematically in thedrawings, rather than as an accurate representation of what isimplemented. However, such schematic illustration is merely exemplary,and in no way restricts the interpretation of the invention. Inaddition, in the specification and drawings, constituent elements whichfunction in the same or a similar manner to those described inconnection with preceding drawings are denoted by the same referencesigns, and detailed descriptions thereof which are considered redundantare omitted unless necessary.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration exampleof an electronic apparatus 100 comprising a display device DSP accordingto the present embodiment. In one example, a first direction X, a seconddirection Y and a third direction Z are orthogonal to one another.However, these directions may intersect at an angle other than 90degrees. The first direction X and the second direction Y correspond todirections parallel to the main surface of a substrate constituting thedisplay device DSP, and the third direction Z corresponds to thethickness direction of the display device DSP.

The display device DSP comprises a first polarizer PL1 and a secondpolarizer PL2, a first liquid crystal panel PNL1, optical sheets OS, alight guide LG, light sources EM and a reflective sheet RS. Thereflective sheet RS, the light guide LG, the optical sheets OS, thefirst polarizer PL1, the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and the secondpolarizer PL2 are arranged in this order along the third direction Z.The light sources EM are arranged at intervals along the first directionX. The first polarizer PL1, the second polarizer PL2 and the firstliquid crystal panel PNL1 constitute a liquid crystal element LCDcomprising an optical switch function for light traveling along thethird direction Z. This liquid crystal element LCD performs a functionof transmitting light or blocking light for each area in an X-Y planedefined by the first direction X and the second direction Y.

The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is formed in, for example, a flatplate shape parallel to the X-Y plane. The first liquid crystal panelPNL1 is disposed between the first polarizer PL1 and the secondpolarizer PL2. The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 comprises a displayportion DA for displaying an image, and a frame-shaped non-displayportion NDA surrounding the display portion DA. The display portion DAis a substantially rectangular area which does not include any notch,and four corners thereof may be rounded. Although the description of thedetailed configuration of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is omittedhere, the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 may comprise a configurationcorresponding to any of a display mode using a lateral electric fieldalong the main surface of a substrate, a display mode using alongitudinal electric field along the normal to the main surface of asubstrate, a display mode using an inclined electric field inclined inan oblique direction with respect to the main surface of a substrate,and a display mode using an arbitrary combination of the lateralelectric field, the longitudinal electric field and the inclinedelectric field described above. The main surface of the substrate hereis a surface parallel to the X-Y plane.

The first polarizer PL1 and the second polarizer PL2 overlap at leastthe display portion DA with respect to the first liquid crystal panelPNL1. In one example, a transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer PL1is parallel to the first direction X, and a transmission axis T2 of thesecond polarizer PL2 is parallel to the second direction Y. That is, thetransmission axes T1 and T2 are orthogonal to each other in the X-Yplane.

An illumination device IL illuminates the first liquid crystal panelPNL1 from the back surface side. The illumination device IL is composedof, for example, the light sources EM, the light guide LG, the opticalsheets OS and the reflective sheet RS.

The light guide LG has a side surface Sa opposed to the light sourcesEM, a side surface Sb on the opposite side to the side surface Sa, amain surface Sc opposed to the first liquid crystal panel PNL1, a mainsurface Sd on the opposite side to the main surface Sc, and a firstopening OP1. The first opening OP1 is disposed on the opposite side tothe side surface Sa. However, the first opening OP1 is not particularlylimited but may be disposed on a side surface orthogonal to the sidesurface Sa. In the illustrated example, the first opening OP1 is athrough hole penetrating the light guide LG in the third direction Z. Itshould he noted that the first opening OP1 may be a concave portion or anotch recessed from the side surface Sb toward the side surface Sa.

The optical sheets OS are disposed between the light guide LG and thefirst liquid crystal panel PNL1, and are opposed to the main surface Sc.The optical sheets OS each have a second opening OP2 overlapping thefirst opening OP1. The optical sheets OS each are, for example, a prismsheet or a diffusion sheet.

The reflective sheet RS is opposed to the main surface Sd. That is, thelight guide LG is disposed between the reflective sheet RS and theoptical sheets OS. The reflective sheet RS has a third opening OP3overlapping the first opening OP1. The third opening OP3, the firstopening OP1 and the second openings OP2 are arranged in this order alongthe third direction Z, and are disposed on the same straight line. Thereflective sheet RS may be fixed to a frame, for example. In that case,an opening overlapping the first opening OP1 may also he formed in theframe.

The light sources EM each are, for example, a light-emitting diode(LED), and each emit white illumination light. The illumination lightemitted from the light sources EM enters from the side surface Sa, andtravels inside the light guide LG. Then, the illumination light guidedby the light guide LG is emitted from the main surface Sc toward thefirst liquid crystal panel PNL1, and illuminates the first liquidcrystal panel PNL1. The first liquid crystal panel PNL1, the firstpolarizer PL1 and the second polarizer PL2 selectively transmit theillumination light and thereby display an image in the display portionDA.

An electronic apparatus 100 incorporating the display device DSP thereincomprises a camera 1, a second liquid crystal panel PNL2 and a thirdpolarizer PL3.

The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is formed in, for example, a flatplate shape parallel to the X-Y plane. Although the description of thedetailed configuration of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 isomitted here, the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 comprises a lensportion LP. The lens portion LP is disposed such that the lens portionLP overlaps the first to third openings OP1 to OP3 in the thirddirection Z. The third polarizer PL3 overlaps at least the lens portionLP with respect to the second liquid crystal panel PNL2. In one example,a transmission axis T3 of the third polarizer PL3 is parallel to thesecond direction Y. That is, the transmission axes T2 and T3 areparallel to each other in the X-Y plane. It should be noted that thethird polarizer PL3 may be omitted.

The camera 1 is disposed such that the camera 1 overlaps the first tothird openings OP1 to OP3 in the third direction Z. In addition, thecamera 1 overlaps the display portion CA of the first liquid crystalpanel PNL1 and the lens portion LP of the second liquid crystal panelPNL2 in the third direction Z.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic apparatus 100including the camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 . The illumination device IL hasan opening OPA. The first to third openings OP1 to OP3 shown in FIG. 1are formed corresponding to the opening OPA. The camera 1 is disposed inthe opening OPA. The camera 1 is electrically connected to a wiringboard 2. The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 overlaps the illuminationdevice IL. The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 overlaps the firstliquid crystal panel PNL1. In addition, the first liquid crystal panelPNL1 and the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 overlap the camera 1.

The first polarizer PL1 is disposed between the illumination device ILand the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and between the camera 1 and thefirst liquid crystal panel PNL1. The second polarizer PL2 is disposedbetween the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and the second liquidcrystal panel PNL2. The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is disposedbetween the second polarizer PL2 and the third polarizer PL3. Asdescribed above, the transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer PL1 andthe transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer PL2 are orthogonal toeach other. In addition, the transmission axis T2 of the secondpolarizer PL2 and the transmission axis T3 of the third polarizer PL3are parallel to each other.

The camera 1 is configured to receive visible light (light in a rangeof, for example, 400 nm to 700 nm) transmitted via the third polarizerPL3, the second liquid crystal panel PNL2, the second polarizer PL2, thefirst liquid crystal panel PNL1 and the first polarizer PL1.

The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 comprises a first substrate SUB1, asecond substrate SUB2 and a first liquid crystal layer LC1. The firstliquid crystal layer LC1 is disposed between the first substrate SUB1and the second substrate SUB2. The main parts of the first liquidcrystal panel PNL1 are described below. The first liquid crystal panelPNL1 described here has a configuration corresponding to the displaymode using the lateral electric field. In the following description, adirection from the first substrate SUB1 toward the second substrate SUB2is defined as above, and a direction from the second substrate SUB2toward the first substrate SUB1 is defined as below.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises a first insulating substrate 10,insulating films 11 and 12, a common electrode CE, a first pixelelectrode PE1, a second pixel electrode PE2 and an alignment film AL1.The first insulating substrate 10 is a transparent substrate such as aglass substrate or a flexible resin substrate. The insulating film 11 isdisposed on the first insulating substrate 10. The common electrode CEis disposed on the insulating film 11, and is covered with theinsulating film 12. The first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixelelectrode PE2 are disposed on the insulating film 12, and are coveredwith the alignment film AL1. The first pixel electrode PE1 and thesecond pixel electrode PE2 overlap the common electrode CE via theinsulating film 12. The common electrode CE, the first pixel electrodePE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 are formed of a transparentconductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide(IZO). The first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2each comprise a strip electrode. The common electrode CE is aplate-shaped electrode disposed in common to the pixels PX. The firstpixel electrode PE1 is disposed in a first pixel PX1 which does notoverlap the camera 1 in the display portion DA. The second pixelelectrode PE2 is disposed in a second pixel PX2 which overlaps thecamera 1 in the display portion DA.

The second substrate SUB2 comprises a second insulating substrate 20, acolor filter layer CF, a light-shielding layer BM, a transparent layerOC and an alignment film AL2. The second insulating substrate 20 is atransparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a flexible resinsubstrate. The color filter layer CF is disposed in an area which doesnot overlap the camera 1, and is not disposed in an area which overlapsthe camera 1. That is, while the color filter layer CF is disposed suchthat the color filter layer CF overlaps the first pixel electrode PE1,the color filter layer CF does not overlap the second pixel electrodePE2. The color filter layer CF comprises, for example, a red colorfilter CFR arranged in a red first pixel PX1, a green color filter CFGarranged in a green first pixel PX1, and a blue color filter CFBarranged in a blue first pixel PX1. The color filters CFR, CFG and CFBeach overlap the first pixel electrode PE1. The light-shielding layer BMis disposed in an area which does not overlap the camera 1. That is, thelight-shielding layer BM is disposed between the adjacent first pixelelectrodes PE1, between the adjacent first pixels PX1, or between theadjacent color filters. It is preferable that the light-shielding layerBM should not he disposed in an area overlapping the camera 1. Thetransparent layer OC is, for example, an organic insulating film. Thetransparent layer OC covers the color filter layer CF in the first pixelPX1, and is in contact with the second insulating substrate 20 in thesecond pixel PX2. The transparent layer OC is covered with the alignmentfilm AL2.

When the transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer PL1 and thetransmission axis T2 of the second polarizer PL2 are orthogonal to eachother, and when the wavelength of light transmitted through the firstliquid crystal layer LC1 is λ and the retardation of the first liquidcrystal layer LC1 is substantially zero or λ, the transmittance of theliquid crystal element LCD is minimized. Therefore, during the imagecapturing by the camera 1, the retardation of the first liquid crystallayer LC1 is set to greater than zero but less than λ in the secondpixel PX2. When the retardation is about λ/2, the transmittance of theliquid crystal element LCD is maximized.

The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 comprises a third substrate SUB3, afourth substrate SUB4 and a second liquid crystal layer LC2. The secondliquid crystal layer LC2 is disposed between the third substrate SUB3and the fourth substrate SUB4. The main parts of the second liquidcrystal panel PNL2 are described below.

The third substrate SUB3 comprises a third insulating substrate 30, aplurality of first transparent electrodes TE1 and an alignment film AL3.The first transparent electrodes TE1 overlap the camera 1. In the lensportion LP, the first transparent electrodes TE1 are disposed on thethird insulating substrate 30, and are covered with the alignment filmAL3. The fourth substrate SUB4 comprises a fourth insulating substrate40, a second transparent electrode TE2 and an alignment film AL4. Thesecond transparent electrode TE2 overlaps the first transparentelectrodes TE1 directly above the camera 1. In the lens portion LP, thesecond transparent electrode TE2 is disposed below the fourth insulatingsubstrate 40, and is covered with the alignment film AL4. The thirdinsulating substrate 30 and the fourth insulating substrate 40 each area transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a flexible resinsubstrate. The first transparent electrodes TE1 and the secondtransparent electrode TE2 are formed of a transparent conductivematerial. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is disposed between thefirst transparent electrodes TE1 and the second transparent electrodeTE2.

Directly above the camera 1, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 has athickness T11, and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 has a thicknessT12. The thicknesses T11 and T12 correspond to a length along the thirddirection Z. The thickness T12 is greater than the thickness T11, andcorresponds to about greater than or equal to 10 times but less than orequal to 50 times the thickness T11, for example. In one example, thethickness T12 is greater than or equal to 30 μm but less than or equalto 150 μm, more specifically, 50 μm to 100 μm.

The first polarizer PL1 is bonded to the first insulating substrate 10,the second polarizer PL2 is bonded to the second insulating substrate20, and the third polarizer PL3 is bonded to the fourth insulatingsubstrate 40. The third insulating substrate 30 is bonded to the secondpolarizer PL2 by a transparent adhesive resin AD. It should be notedthat the first polarizer PL1, the second polarizer PL2 and the thirdpolarizer PL3 may comprise a retarder, a scattering layer, anantireflective layer and the like as needed.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the firstliquid crystal panel PNL1 shown in FIG. 1 . In FIG. 3 , the first liquidcrystal layer LC1 and a sealant SE1 are shown by different diagonallines. The display portion DA is a substantially rectangular area whichdoes not include any notch, and is located on the inside surrounded bythe sealant SE1. The sealant SE1 is located in the non-display portionNDA, and bonds the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2together and seals in the first liquid crystal layer LC1.

The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 comprises pixels PX arranged in amatrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y in thedisplay portion DA. Each pixel PX in the display portion DA has the samecircuit. The display portion DA comprises, as the pixels PX, the firstpixel PX1 which does not overlap the camera 1 and the second pixel PX2which overlaps the camera 1.

As shown enlarged in FIG. 3 , each pixel PX comprises a switchingelement SW, a pixel electrode PE (the first pixel electrode PE1 or thesecond pixel electrode PE2), the common electrode CE, the first liquidcrystal layer LC1 and the like. The switching element SW is composed of,for example, a thin-film transistor (TFT), and is electrically connectedto a scanning line G and a signal line S. The pixel electrode PE iselectrically connected to the switching element SW. Each pixel electrodePE is opposed to the common electrode CE. The first liquid crystal layerLC1 is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrodePE and the common electrode CE. A capacitance CS formed between, forexample, an electrode having the same potential as the common electrodeCE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element LCDincluding the first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. 3 . The driver DR whichdrives the liquid crystal element LCD includes, for example, a scanningline drive circuit electrically connected to the scanning line G shownin FIG. 3 , and a signal line drive circuit electrically connected tothe signal line S shown in FIG, 3. With respect to the first pixel PX1,the driver DR outputs a signal necessary for image display, and controlsthe transmittance of the liquid crystal element LCD. The transmittancein the first pixel PX1 of the liquid crystal element LCD is controlledaccording to the magnitude of voltage applied to the first liquidcrystal layer LC1.

In the first pixel PX1 in an off state where no voltage is applied tothe first liquid crystal layer LC1, liquid crystal molecules LM1contained in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 are initially aligned ina predetermined direction between the alignment films AL1 and AL2. Inthe off state, light guided from the light source EM shown in FIG. 1 tothe first pixel PX1 is absorbed by the first polarizer PL1 and thesecond polarizer PL2. Therefore, the liquid crystal element LCD displaysblack in the first pixel PX1 in the off state.

In the first pixel PX1 in an on state where voltage is applied to thefirst liquid crystal layer LC1, the liquid crystal molecules LM1 arealigned in a direction different from the initial alignment direction byan electric field formed between the first pixel electrode PE1 and thecommon electrode CE, and the alignment direction is controlled by theelectric field. In the on state, a part of light guided from the lightsource EM to the first pixel PX1 is transmitted through the firstpolarizer PL1 and the second polarizer PL2. Therefore, the liquidcrystal element LCD displays a color corresponding to the color filterlayer CF in the first pixel PX1 in the on state.

The above example corresponds to what is called a normally black mode inwhich black is displayed in the off state. However, a normally whitemode in which black is displayed in the on state (white is displayed inthe off state) may be applied.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element LCDincluding the second pixel PX2 shown in FIG. 3 . The second pixel PX2 isdifferent from the first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. 4 in that the secondsubstrate SUB2 does not comprise the color filter layer CF and thelight-shielding layer BM. That is, the transparent layer OC is incontact with the second insulating substrate 20 directly above thesecond pixel electrode PE2.

As is the case with the first pixel PX1, the transmittance in the secondpixel PX2 of the liquid crystal element LCD is controlled by the driverDR. That is, in the second pixel PX2 in the off state where no voltageis applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, as is the case in thefirst pixel PX1 in the off state, the liquid crystal element LCD has theminimum transmittance and displays black. That is, the liquid crystalelement LCD performs the light-blocking function in the second pixelPX2.

In the second pixel PX2 in the on state where voltage is applied to thefirst liquid crystal layer LC1, a part of light guided from the lightsource EM to the second pixel PX2 is transmitted through the firstpolarizer PL1 and the second polarizer PL2. In addition, in the secondpixel PX2 in the on state, the liquid crystal element LCD forms alight-transmitting state where the liquid crystal element LCD transmitslight passing through the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 and travelingtoward the camera 1. In the second pixel PX2 in the on state, when theliquid crystal element LCD is controlled to have the maximumtransmittance, the liquid crystal element LCD displays white or is in atransparent state. In addition, in the second pixel PX2, when the liquidcrystal element LCD is controlled to have an intermediate transmittancebetween the minimum transmittance and the maximum transmittance, theliquid crystal element LCD can display gray. That is, the liquid crystalelement LCD performs the light-transmitting function in the second pixelPX2.

According to the present embodiment, the camera 1 overlaps the displayportion DA of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. Therefore, there isno need to provide a space for installing the camera 1 in thenon-display portion NDA. Consequently, the display portion DA can beexpanded.

In addition, there is no need to provide a space for installing thecamera 1 in the non-display portion NDA. Therefore, the frame width ofthe non-display portion NDA can be reduced as compared with when thecamera 1 overlaps the non-display portion NDA.

Furthermore, since the camera 1 does not overlap the color filter layerCF, light entering the camera 1 via the first liquid crystal panel PNL1is hardly affected by the color filter layer CF. Therefore, undesiredabsorption and coloring by the color filter layer CF can be suppressed.

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a shape example of the firsttransparent electrode TE1. In the illustrated example, eight firsttransparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 are disposed in the lens portion LP.The first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 each are formed in a stripshape. In the illustrated example, the first transparent electrodes TE11to TE18 extend in the first direction X, and are arranged at intervalsin the second direction Y. The second transparent electrode TE2 overlapsthe first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 in planar view. The secondtransparent electrode TE2 is formed in a substantially rectangularshape, but the shape is not limited to the illustrated example. Thenumber of the first transparent electrodes is not limited to theillustrated example, that is, eight. It should be noted that the firsttransparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 may extend in the second direction Yand may be arranged at intervals in the first direction X. The camera 1overlaps the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 as shown by adotted line in the drawing.

The first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 are electrically connectedto the driver DR via wiring lines W11 to W18 and switching elements SW11to SW18, respectively. The second transparent electrode TE2 iselectrically connected to the driver DR via a switching element SW2. Thedriver DR can apply predetermined voltages to the first transparentelectrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2,respectively.

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing another shape example of the firsttransparent electrode TE1. In the illustrated example, five firsttransparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 are disposed in the lens portion LP.The first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE14 each are formed in a ringshape. The first transparent electrode TE15 is formed in a polygonalshape. It should he noted that the first transparent electrodes TE11 toTE15 may be formed in an annular shape or a circular shape. In addition,the number of the first transparent electrodes is not limited to theillustrated example, that is, five. The camera 1 overlaps the firsttransparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 as shown by a dotted line in thedrawing.

The driver DR can apply predetermined voltages to the first transparentelectrodes TE11 to TE15 via the switching elements SW11 to SW15,respectively. In addition, the driver DR can apply a predeterminedvoltage to the second transparent TE2 via the switching element SW2.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the secondliquid crystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG. 1 . A sealant SE2 bonds thethird substrate SUB3 and the fourth substrate SUB4 together, and sealsin the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The lens portion LP overlaps thesecond liquid crystal layer LC2. In addition, the lens portion LPoverlaps the camera 1 and also overlaps the display portion DA of thefirst liquid crystal panel PNL1 as described above. Although the lensportion LP is shown simplified here, for example, in a configuration inwhich the lens portion LP comprises the first transparent electrodesTE11 to TE18 shown in FIG. 6 , the wiring lines W11 to W18 are disposedin the third substrate SUB3 as is the case with the first transparentelectrodes TE11 to TE18. As in the illustrated example, in the wiringlines W11 to W18, parts overlapping the display portion DA shouldpreferably be formed of a transparent conductive material from theperspective of suppressing a decrease in the transmittance in thedisplay portion DA. In addition, in the wiring lines W11 to W18, partsoverlapping the non-display portion NDA may be formed of a transparentconductive material or may be formed of a metal material from theperspective of achieving low resistance. In the illustrated example, theodd-numbered wiring lines W11, W13, W15 and W17 are disposed on the leftside of the display portion DA, and the even-numbered wiring lines W12,W14, W16 and W18 are disposed on the right side of the display portionDA. It should be noted that the layout of the wiring lines W11 to W18 isnot limited to the illustrated example.

FIGS. 9A and 9B each are an illustration for explaining the firstcontrol example where a lens LL1 is formed in the second liquid crystallayer LC2 of the lens portion LP.

FIG. 9A shows the lens portion LP in the off state. In the off state, novoltage is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 andthe second transparent electrode TE2. Therefore, no voltage is appliedto the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The second liquid crystal layerLC2 contains liquid crystal molecules LM2. For example, it is assumedthat the second liquid crystal layer LC2 has a positive dielectricanisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules LM2 are initially alignedhorizontally along the main surface of the substrate in the off state.The transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer PL2 and thetransmission axis T3 of the third polarizer PL3 are parallel to theinitial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM2. No lensis formed in the lens portion LP in the off state.

FIG. 9B shows the lens portion LP in the on state. In the on state, thedriver DR applies voltages for forming the lens LL1 in the second liquidcrystal layer LC2 to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 andthe second transparent electrode TE2. In the on state, the liquidcrystal molecules LM2 are aligned such that major axes thereof are alongan electric field between the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18and the second transparent electrode TE2.

An example of when the lens LL1 functions as a convex lens asillustrated is described below. As for the first transparent electrodesTE11 to TE18, a higher voltage is applied as the distance from anoptical axis OX of the camera 1 increases. That is, the voltage appliedto the first transparent electrode TE11 is higher than the voltageapplied to the first transparent electrode TE14. In one example, avoltage of 4 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 andTE18, a voltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparent electrodesTE12 and TE17, a voltage of 2 V is applied to the first transparentelectrodes TE13 and TE16, and a voltage of 1 V is applied to the firsttransparent electrodes TE14 and TE15. On the other hand, a voltage of,for example, 0 V is applied to the second transparent electrode TE2. Inan area in which each of the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18and the second transparent electrode TE2 are opposed to each other, alongitudinal electric field along the third direction Z or a lateralelectric field along the main surface of the substrate is formed. Thealignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM2 is controlled bythe interaction of these electric fields. The liquid crystal moleculesLM2 have a refractive anisotropy Δn. Therefore, the second liquidcrystal layer LC2 has a refractive index distribution corresponding tothe alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules LM2. Alternatively,the second liquid crystal layer LC2 has a retardation distribution or aphase distribution represented by Δn·d where d is the thickness alongthe third direction Z of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. Theillustrated lens LL1 is formed by a refractive index distribution, aretardation distribution or a phase distribution based on the potentialdifference between the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and thesecond transparent electrode TE2. The lens LL1 is formed isotropicallywith respect to the optical axis OX.

When the lens portion LP comprises the first transparent electrodes TE11to TE18 having the shape shown in FIG. 6 , the lens LL1 can form acylindrical lens extending in the first direction X. When the lensportion LP comprises the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15having the shape shown in FIG. 7 , the lens LL1 can form a convex lenscentered on the optical axis OX.

Of light L10 traveling toward the camera 1, linearly polarized lighttransmitted through the third polarizer PL3 is refracted by the lensLL1, and enters the camera 1. That is, the lens LL1 mainly exerts afocusing effect on the light L10. It is also possible to form a lenswhich exerts a dispersing effect on the light L10 by controllingvoltages applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 andthe second transparent electrode TE2 by the driver DR.

FIG. 10 is an illustration for explaining the second control examplewhere a lens LL2 is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of thelens portion LP. In the second control example, the driver DR appliesvoltages to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the secondtransparent electrode TE2 such that the lens end of the lens LL2 formedin the second liquid crystal layer LC2 overlaps the camera 1 (shown by adotted line in the drawing). Alternatively, the driver DR appliesvoltages to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the secondtransparent electrode TE2 such that the lens LL2 formed in the secondliquid crystal layer LC2 functions as a concave lens (shown by adashed-dotted line).

In the second control example, as for the first transparent electrodesTE11 to TE18, a lower voltage is applied as the distance from theoptical axis OX of the camera 1 increases. That is, the voltage appliedto the first transparent electrode TE11 is lower than the voltageapplied to the first transparent electrode TE14. In one example, avoltage of 1 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 andTE18, a voltage of 2 V is applied to the first transparent electrodesTE12 and TE17, a voltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparentelectrodes TE13 and TE16, and a voltage of 4 V is applied to the firsttransparent electrodes TE14 and TE15. On the other hand, a voltage of,for example, 0 V is applied to the second transparent electrode TE2. Theillustrated lens LL2 is formed by the refractive index distribution, theretardation distribution or the phase distribution of the second liquidcrystal layer LC2. In the illustrated example, the lens LL2 is formedisotropically with respect to the optical axis OX. However, the lens LL2may be formed asymmetrically with respect to the optical axis OX.

The illustrated lens LL2 exerts an effect of refracting display lightL20 guided to the periphery of the camera 1 toward directly above thecamera 1. Since the transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer PL2 isparallel to the transmission axis T3 of the third polarizer PL3, thedisplay light L20 refracted in the lens portion LP is emitted from anarea overlapping the camera 1. That is, the display light L20 isobserved on the front surface (observer side) of the camera 1.Accordingly, the visibility of the camera 1 can be reduced when theelectronic apparatus 100 is observed from the third polarizer PL3 side.

FIG. 11 is an illustration for explaining the third control examplewhere a lens LL3 is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of thelens portion LP. In the third control example, the driver DR appliesvoltages to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the secondtransparent electrode TE2 such that the lens LL3 asymmetrical withrespect to the optical axis OX of the camera 1 is formed in the secondliquid crystal layer LC2.

In the third control example, as for the first transparent electrodesTE11 to TE18, a higher voltage is applied as the distance from the lightsource EM increases. That is, the voltage applied to the firsttransparent electrode TE11 is lower than the voltage applied to thefirst transparent electrode TE18. In one example, a voltage of 1 V isapplied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 and TE12, a voltage of2 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE13 and TE14, avoltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE15 andTE16, and a voltage of 4 V is applied to the first transparentelectrodes TE17 and TE18. On the other hand, a voltage of, for example,0 V is applied. to the second transparent electrode TE2. The illustratedlens LL3 is formed by the refractive index distribution, the retardationdistribution or the phase distribution of the second liquid crystallayer LC2.

As is the case with the lens LL2, the illustrated lens LL3 exerts aneffect of refracting the display light 20L guided to the periphery ofthe camera 1 toward directly above the camera 1. Accordingly, thevisibility of the camera 1 can be reduced when the electronic apparatus100 is observed from the third polarizer PL3 side.

When the light sources EM shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in the firstdirection X and emit illumination light along the second direction Y, itis preferable that the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18described with reference to FIG. 6 should be formed in a strip shapealong the first direction X and be arranged in the second direction Y.Accordingly, the lens LL3 suitable for emitting illumination lightdirectly above the camera 1 can be formed.

As described above, various lens LL can be formed in the second liquidcrystal layer LC2 by controlling voltages applied to the firsttransparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 by the driver DR. In addition, thefocus of the lens LL can also be controlled by the voltage control bythe driver DR.

«Camera On»

The following describes the first to third operation examples in acamera on state where the camera 1 captures an image. In the camera onstate, the first pixel PX1 may be in the on state or the off state.

FIG. 12 is an illustration for explaining the first operation example.The second pixel PX in the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is in the onstate. The liquid crystal element LCD composed of the first liquidcrystal panel PNL1, the first polarizer PL1 and the second polarizer PL2forms the light-transmitting state where the liquid crystal element LCDtransmits light traveling toward the camera 1 in the second pixel PX2 inthe on state as described with reference to FIG. 5 . The lens portion LPin the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is in the off state, and no lensis formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 as described withreference to FIG. 9A.

Of light 130 toward the camera 1, first linearly polarized light POL1having a vibration plane in the second direction Y is transmittedthrough the third polarizer PL3. The first linearly polarized light POL1is transmitted through the second polarizer PL2 almost without beingsubjected to any lens effect in the lens portion LP. The first linearlypolarized light POL1 is modulated to second linearly polarized lightPOL2 having a vibration plane in the first direction X in the secondpixel PX2 in the on state. The second linearly polarized light POL2 istransmitted through the first polarizer PL1, and enters the camera 1.Accordingly, the camera 1 can capture an image.

FIG. 13 is an illustration for explaining the second operation example.The lens portion LP is in the on state, and the lens LL functioning as aconvex lens is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

Of the light L30 toward the camera 1, the first linearly polarized lightPOL1 is transmitted through the third polarizer PL3, and is subjected tothe focusing effect of the lens LL in the lens portion LP. The focusedfirst linearly polarized light POL1 is transmitted through the secondpolarizer PL2, and is modulated to the second linearly polarized lightPOL2 in the second pixel PX2 in the on state. The second linearlypolarized light POL2 is transmitted through the first polarizer PL1, andenters the camera 1. Accordingly, the camera 1 can capture an image.

FIG. 14 is an illustration for explaining the third operation example.The lens portion LP is in the on state, and the lens LL functioning as aconcave lens is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

Of the light L30 toward the camera 1, the first linearly polarized lightPOL1 is transmitted through the third polarizer PL3, and is subjected tothe dispersing effect of the lens LL in the lens portion LP. Thedispersed first linearly polarized light POL1 is transmitted through thesecond polarizer PL2, and is modulated to the second linearly polarizedlight POL2 in the second pixel PX2 in the on state. The second linearlypolarized light POL2 is transmitted through the first polarizer PL1, andenters the camera 1. Accordingly, the camera 1 can capture an image.

«Camera Off»

The following describes the fourth and fifth operation examples in acamera off state where the camera 1 is not operated.

FIG. 15 is an illustration for explaining the fourth operation example.Both the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 in the first liquidcrystal panel PNL1 are in the on state. The lens portion LP in thesecond liquid crystal panel PNL2 the on state, and the lens LL2 isformed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 as described withreference to FIG. 10 .

The liquid crystal element LCD forms the light-transmitting state wherethe liquid crystal element LCD transmits the illumination light from theillumination device IL in the first pixel PX1 in the on state. That is,red light LR1 transmitted through the red color filter CFR, green lightLG1 transmitted through the green color filter CFG, and blue light LB1transmitted through the blue color filter CFB each are transmittedthrough the second polarizer PL2 as the first linearly polarized lightPOL1, and forms display light. In addition, the liquid crystal elementLCD forms the light-transmitting state in the second pixel PX2 in the onstate. Therefore, the illumination light guided to the second pixel PX2is transmitted through the second polarizer PL2 as the first linearlypolarized light POL1.

In the lens portion LP, the display light (LR1, LG1, LB1) transmittedthrough the second polarizer PL2 is refracted toward directly above thecamera 1 by the lens LL2, and is transmitted through the third polarizerPL3. That is, in an area overlapping the camera 1, the display light(LR1, LG1, LB1) from the first pixel PX1 around the camera 1 is emitted.Accordingly, the visibility of the camera 1 in the camera off state canbe reduced. In addition, an image can be displayed in the displayportion DA including the area overlapping the camera 1, and an imageloss can be suppressed.

In the first liquid crystal panel PNL1, when both the first pixel PX1and the second pixel PX2 are in the off state, that is, when black isdisplayed in the display portion DA, the camera 1 hardly visible.

FIG. 16 is an illustration for explaining the fifth operation example.Both the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 in the first liquidcrystal panel PNL1 are in the on state. The lens portion LP in thesecond liquid crystal panel PNL2 is in the on state, and the lens LL3 isformed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 as described withreference to FIG. 11 .

Also in the fifth operation example, as in the fourth operation example,the liquid crystal element LCD emits the red light LR1, the green lightLG1 and the blue light LB1 as display light from the first pixel PX1around the camera 1. The display light (LR1, LG1, LG1) is refractedtoward directly above the camera 1 by the lens LL3, and is transmittedthrough the third polarizer PL3 in the lens portion LP. Accordingly, thevisibility of the camera 1 in the camera off state can be reduced. Inaddition, an image loss can be suppressed in the display portion DA.

«Narrowing of Frame»

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of thesecond liquid crystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG. 8 . Here focuses on thecross-sectional structure including the even-numbered wiring lines W12,W14, W16 and W18. The cross-sectional structure of the odd-numberedwiring lines is the same as the illustrated configuration example.

The wiring lines W12, W14, W16 and W18 are disposed overlapping thenon-display portion NDA of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. At leastpart of the wiring lines W12, W14, W16 and W18 may overlap the sealantSE1. The second transparent electrode TE2 overlaps the wiring lines W12,W14, W16 and W18. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is disposedbetween the wiring lines W12, W14, W16 and W18 and the secondtransparent electrode TE2. In the second liquid crystal panel PNL2, theillustrations of the alignment film AL3 covering the wiring lines W12,W14, W16 and W18 and the alignment film AL4 covering the secondtransparent electrode TE2 are omitted.

As for the wiring lines W12, W14, W16 and W18, a higher voltage isapplied as the distance from the display portion DA increases (or as thedistance to the sealant SE2 decreases). That is, the voltage applied tothe wiring line W12 is lower than the voltage applied to the wiring lineW18. In one example, a voltage of 1 V is applied to the wiring line W12,a voltage of 2 V is applied to the wiring line W14, a voltage of 3 V isapplied to the wiring line W16, and a voltage of 4 V is applied to thewiring line W18. On the other hand, a voltage of, for example, 0 V isapplied to the second transparent electrode TE2. The illustrated lensLL4 is formed by the refractive index distribution, the retardationdistribution or the phase distribution of the second liquid crystallayer LC2.

The illustrated lens LL4 exerts an effect of refracting display light(LR2, LG2, LB2) transmitted through the display portion DA towarddirectly above the non-display portion NDA. That is, in an areaoverlapping the sealant SE1, the display light (LR2, LG2, LB2) from thefirst pixel PX1 close to the sealant SE1 is emitted. Accordingly, whenthe electronic apparatus 100 is observed from the third polarizer PL3side, the frame width of the non-display portion NDA is visuallyrecognized as smaller.

In addition, the wiring lines W12, W14, W16 and W18 are electricallyconnected to the first transparent electrodes TE12, TE14, TE16 and TE18as described with reference to FIG. 6 . In addition, the appliedvoltages of the wiring lines W12, W14, W16 and W18 match the appliedvoltages of the first transparent electrodes TE12, TE14, TE16 and TE18.Therefore, while the lens LL3 is formed in the lens portion LP, the lensLL4 can be formed directly above the wiring lines W12, W14, W16 and W18simultaneously.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, an electronicapparatus capable of expanding a display portion can be provided.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a display panel; a liquid crystal panel overlapping the display panel; a camera overlapping the display panel and the liquid crystal panel, and receiving light via the display panel and the liquid crystal panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a first pixel electrode not overlapping the camera; and a second pixel electrode overlapping the camera; the liquid crystal panel comprises: a plurality of first transparent electrodes overlapping the camera; a second transparent electrode overlapping the first transparent electrodes; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first transparent electrodes and the second transparent electrode; and the liquid crystal layer has a thickness of greater than or equal to 30 μm but less than or equal to 150 μm.
 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first polarizer; and a second polarizer; wherein the liquid crystal panel is disposed between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, and a transmission axis of the first polarizer and a transmission axis of the second polarizer are parallel to each other.
 3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first transparent electrodes are formed in a strip shape.
 4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first transparent electrodes are formed in a ring shape.
 5. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in a first direction, wherein the first transparent electrodes are formed in a strip shape along the first direction, and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
 6. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal panel further comprises a wiring line electrically connected to each of the first transparent electrodes, a first part of the wiring line overlapping a display portion is formed of a transparent conductive material, and a second part of the wiring line overlapping a non-display portion outside the display portion is formed of a metal material.
 7. The electronic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second transparent electrode overlaps the wiring line in the non-display portion, and the liquid crystal panel is configured to form a lens based on a potential difference between the wiring line and the second transparent electrode in the liquid crystal layer.
 8. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a driver, wherein the driver applies voltages to the first transparent electrodes and the second transparent electrode such that a lens end of a lens formed in the liquid crystal layer overlaps the camera. 